Topic: Use of Visual Aids

Explanation

The material should use a visual aid whenever it would make the content easier to understand. For example, an illustration of a healthy portion size would increase understanding beyond using just text to describe the size of a healthy portion. This also includes using graphic displays to make numeric information easier to understand. If you can think of a meaningful visual aid that could have been added to clarify the meaning of text, you should disagree with this item.

Examples

Item 16: The material's visual aids reinforce rather than distract from the content (P)

Ratings: Disagree = 0 Agree = 1 No visual aids = N/A

Not Applicable

Choose N/A if the material has no visual aids.

Explanation

The material should only use visual aids that reinforce or relate to the content being presented, or visual aids can provide examples or clarify information. While some materials may use a lot of visual aids to break-up the text and keep the material visually interesting, this does not necessarily benefit understandability.

Ask yourself whether the visuals largely reinforce and relate to the content. If they do not reinforce content, especially if they distract from the content, then choose "Disagree." Similarly, for a generic picture that neither describes the content nor provides further explanation, choose "Disagree."

Examples

CHOOSE "AGREE"–Visual aid that reinforces

The following visual aid reinforces the content by illustrating levels of activity.

Item 17: The material's visual aids have clear titles or captions (P)

Ratings: Disagree = 0 Agree = 1 No visual aids = N/A

Not Applicable

Choose N/A if the material has no visual aids.

Explanation

Captions and titles for visual aids are important to help the user know what the graphic is about or what it is showing. Visual aids are meant to support the text and can be a way to explain the material's content. If a material has images that do not have a caption or title, or if the captions or titles are unclear or are unrelated to the visual aid, you should choose "Disagree."

Examples

CHOOSE "AGREE"—Clear caption related to the visual aid

Clean your baby's teeth with a clean, soft cloth or a baby toothbrush.

Item 18: The material uses illustrations and photographs that are clear and uncluttered (P and A/V)

Ratings: Disagree = 0 Agree = 1 No visual aids = N/A

Not Applicable

Choose N/A if the material has no visual aids.

Explanation

For the user to understand the content covered in an illustration or photograph, the image must be clear and uncluttered. If a material is not both clear and uncluttered, then you should choose "Disagree."